GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1839, 10 January 1889, Page 2

GERALDINE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held yesterday. Present—Messrs Balfour (chairman), Howell, Hayhnrsfc, Moore, and Maokayi In connection with the dog tax Mr Howell said he observed the Council had advertised that the tax would remain the same at last year. He did not remember such a resolution having been passed by the Council, and he had intended to move that sheep farmers bo allowed at least one dog free.— Mr Msokay thought that shepherds alio should ha treated more liberally in tho tax upon their dogs.—The subject dropped after a short discussion. The Engineers’ report was read as follows “ Seadown Water Baoes: All the races are cut with the exception of a few short branches and some of the lower reaches near the sea; some pipe culverts have yet to be laid and some fords and embankments ere yet unfinished. Water was turned into the main racs over a week ago and has traversed the races which were ready for it in a satisfactory manner. We cannot ta yet regulate the supply at the intake in the way we desire until we get some willow planting and willow faoine works done there ; th's cannot be ' effected until May next. Mr Oounihan’s application: We have inspected the damage complained of by Mr Oouuihan, our report of whioh is sent herewith. Mr OrbeU’s application . We have discussed the question of a supply of water to the Levels paddocks, with Mr Orbell, and make the following recommendations in connection with it, via.—l. That the lands to be subject to rates shall extend 40 ohrins back from the Main Mao- , keezie Boad for the full length of the race applied for. (2.) That the works shall be constructed at the cost of the Council, subject to a guarantee being given that the rates will be paid in the manner and for the full term for which the lands in the water district e liable, and that the race and its water shall be subject to the bye-laws regulating water supply within the water d strict. (3), That a specie l , valuation of the laud be made irrespective of IVx Assessment, in order to bring it into fair rateable comparison with properties within the water district. We consider that the construction of the works applied for wi' 1 be of advantage both to the company and to tho ratepayers of the water district—to tho latter as the rate receivable will pay about doable tho interest on the cost of construction. We recommend that Mr Badford should be temporarily appointed ranger in the Seadown district. Wo are given to understand that the races are already being tampered with; this should be put down with a strong hrnd, or great dissatisfaction will be felt by the scrupulous ratepayers. We think that Mr Badford’s position should be that he be free to issue summonses against offenders without reference to the Council, beyond placing the oases in its solid' we’ hand.—Woodbury water races : Mr Beilly’s application for compensation. On again considering this matter we cannot advise the Council otherwise than in our first report on the subject, viz,, that as the land is within the water district, and in our opinion has receive i more benefit from water than damage from the construction of the works, we or .mot recommend the payment of any sum as corny ensa- 1 tion. Certainly, if a natural creek had occupied the sice and area of the race it would have considerably enhanced the value of this property. We oppose Mr Beilly’s claim on principle, as we consider the payment of any compensation to him would be a dangerous precedent.—The question of rangership in this district is yet unsettled and requires immediate attention as wo have received complaints about the water running short in one or two races while there is an ample supply at the head. We suggest that Mr Reilly should be temporarily appointed on the terms named in his application, as the matter is urgent. Mr Yauoa asked that a bridge be placed over the head-race leading to his property facing Waitihi road.—Messrs Howell and Mackaywero asked to visit the place and report. Mr Joseph Reilly waited on the Council to urge his claim of £26 for compensation for the Woodbury water-raoe running through his land, He raid he had no idea his land would be cut up in the manner it had been, and his house was in danger of being flooded in the event of a sudden rise of the river.— The Council declined to entertain the ole’m for compensation. Mr Joseph Reilly was appointed ranger for the Woodbury water-raoe at a yearly sa'arv Of £2O. Messrs Harper and Co. mute acknowledging receipt of £64125, compensation from the Council to Mr Tripp. Messrs Joyat and 00. wrote, on behalf of MrSiloook, foraoopy of the tender of the latter for certain works executed for the Counoil.—Request ordered to be complied with, Mr T. Tesohemaker wrote, on behalf of the majority of tho ratepayers, that the Council adyi»s the Government, to appoint an independent commission to inquire into the tost of making a bridge over the Pareora whioh was likely to bo of a permanent nature. -»Mr Howell expressed surprise at the Ministers visiting the bridge at the request of a minority of the ratepaym, and thought it reflected on the Council. He thought a stockbridge would be sufficient, though he would not oppose the appointment of a commission. —The chairman explained that the object of the deputation that waited on Ministers was to arrive at the legal position.—Mr Moore coincided with Mr Howell, and after some further discussion it was resolved— ,r That the Government be requested to appoint an. independent commission to report upon the lower Pareora bridge." Letters ware read from Mr O. G, Tripp advocating that the water intake for the Woodbury race should be half-a-mile further up the river than from hie property; also, protesting against the destruction of two valuable paddocks belonging to him, whioh would be the case if tho water were taken from the point arranged by the engineer for the new water supply.—Tho engineer said Mr Tripp’s proposal was too expensive. A letter waa read from the clerk to the Raubapuka Licensing Committee, Mr C, E, Sherratt, urging that the Boad Board office at Scolsburn be appointed a polling booth at tho annual election of Licensing Committee, the Geraldine Courthouse to remain principal J

polling place.—Bequest not complied with, as there was not sufficient population to warrant the expense.

The Temuka Boad Board wrote asking tbs Council to support their proposal that Government should provide that greater powers be given to Boad Beards to deal with the spread of gorse from Native lands on to adjoining roads ; and also advocating that School Commissioners, etc., be granted power to sell land for road purposes.—lt was de* cided to support the proposals. Several applications were received for water supplied from the Bangitata race. Be* solved : “ That the Chairman, Secretary, and Engineer view the Council’s solicitor, and consult as to the best means of meeting tW wishes of a large number of ratepaj'wfrre water supply.” ! It was decided that country members be paid as formerly, 10s 6d per meeting. The Council's engineers wrote, etatmg that the Council was in no way responsible for tho damage done by the contractor on Oounihan’s land at the headworks of the Seadown water* races. The same remarks would apply to Colonel Bichbaum’s complaint, on behalf of the JST.Z. Mortgage and Investment Association. Formal resolutions in connection with the Orari-Waihi and Geraldine Flat water supplies wore passed. The meeting then terminated.